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Thank you for visiting our web site. We are continually adding content. Please check back often. We appreciate any suggestions that you may have. Please contact us at Troop103web@rcn.com with any comment or suggestions. 
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Stay up to date on all happenings in the Boston Minuteman Council. This link will take you to the latest council news.
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9/6/10 - Advancement Status to 9/4/10 on the Scout Page/Member Ranks. Scout Leadership Position descriptions uploaded to the Scout Page. 8/24/10 - Troop Calendar updated. 7/25 - Advancement Status up to 6/10/10 on the Scout Page/member Ranks. Pictures from the Reservoir Campout, Game Night, Rock CLimbing, Crossover and Scout Expo, Memorial Day and Whitewater Rafting uploaded. Eagles Nest updated. Last updated:9/6/10
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Burlington Firefighters Local 2313
21 Center Street, Burlington, MA
Executive Officer: Edgar W McLean
Charter Rep: F. Michael Fontannay
Fire Department web site : http://www.burlington.org/fire/index.htm
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The nearest Scout Store is: Woburn Scout Shop
400 West Cummings Park
Woburn, MA 01801-6570
(781) 937 4282
Store Hours are:
9:30am – 6:00pm M,T,W,F.
9:30am – 8:00pm Th.
9:30am – 3:00pm Sat.
Closed Sunday
Check for specials every Wednesday! 
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as of 4/25/08 |
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Troop 103
Guide to Advancement and Merit Badges
Troop 103 is committed to helping your scout successfully advance through the numerous ranks on their road to Eagle. A number of boys and their families who are new to scouting may no be aware of how advancement and merit badges work. This document is intended to provide guidance in attaining rank advancement and obtaining merit badges. The advancement program for Boy Scouts has two phases. The first phase encompasses the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class Scout. This phase is designed to teach the boy Scoutcraft skills, how to participate in a group environment, and to learn self-reliance. The second phase, consisting of the Star, Life, and Eagle ranks, is designed to help scouts develop leadership skills and to explore potential vocations and avocations through the attainment of merit badges. Phase One This phase is devoted to teaching the boy Scoutcraft skills that he will use throughout and beyond his scouting career. Each rank has a series of requirements that the scout must complete before he can attend a Scoutmaster’s conference and eventually a Board of review session. As a scout rises through the ranks, the requirements become more difficult. Scouts, who have not yet attained the rank of First Class, should concentrate on completing the requirements for the next rank instead of attempting to obtain merit badges, with a few exceptions (see Merit Badge section).
Requirements for each rank can be found in the Scout Handbook. Most requirements also include a reference of the handbook pages that contain the information used to satisfy the requirement.
A few pointers about the requirements: - Scouts can work on requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class simultaneously. They do not have to complete all of the requirements for one rank before working on those of a higher rank. This applies only to ranks up to First Class.
- Quite a few of the requirements can be completed during weekly meetings or by attending campouts.
- The scout’s patrol leader, or a member of the troop’s senior leadership, will initial any requirement as having been completed after meeting with the scout and determining that he understands and did complete the requirement.
- Parents and family members are encouraged to help the scout to complete any requirement that is not specifically identified as having to be completed with his troop or patrol. A parent and the scout should advise the patrol leader that the requirement has been completed and how it was satisfied. A parent or family member should not initial or signoff a requirement in the Scout Handbook.
- Patrol leaders use a portion of their patrol time in weekly meetings on advancement issues.
- While a patrol leader will guide and help the scout in completing the requirements, the patrol leader cannot be expected to remember what requirements each scout needs to complete for their next rank.
- It is the responsibility of the scout to make arrangements with the patrol leader, if they wish to work on a requirement during a campout. For example, a scout may make arrangements with the patrol leader to cook at least one meal if they need to complete that requirement.
- It is the responsibility of the scout to schedule time with their patrol leader, either during the patrol meeting or otherwise, to review their progress.
- Scouts should regularly give their handbook to the Advancement Chairperson so that she may record the progress in the troop’s advancement records. It is very important that all completed requirements be recorded in the troop records as scout handbooks have a way of getting lost.
Scoutmaster’s Conference and Board or Review After the Advancement Chairperson has logged the completion of all requirements for a particular rank, the scout can schedule a conference with the Scoutmaster. In this conference, the Scoutmaster will speak with the scout, determine if he is ready for the Board of Review and provide pointers on how to conduct himself during the review. The Scoutmaster usually asks if the scout is enjoying his activities within the troop and his opinion on what activities the scout would like to see added to the program. The Board of Review consists of at least three members of the Troop Committee. Neither the Scoutmaster nor a parent of the boy who is attending the Board of Review can act as a member of the Board of Review. The review is somewhat like a job interview, where the board members ask questions of the scout to determine his readiness for the rank to be awarded. Quite often, the scout is asked his opinion on how the troop is running, what issues need to be addressed, and what suggestions he may have to improve the troop. The questions at the lower rank are quite easy, but get progressively harder with each rank. After meeting, the scout will be asked to leave the room. The board then discusses the scout’s performance in the session, and votes on awarding the new rank to the scout. The scout then returns to the meeting room along with the Scoutmaster and is given the news by the board members. The Troop Committee conducts Boards of Review for all scout ranks with the exception of Eagle, which is conducted at the Council level. Phase Two This phase of scouting is designed to help the scout develop leadership skills and to learn about possible vocations. The actual number of requirements for the Star, Life, and Eagle Scout ranks are fewer, more difficult. They include actively taking on the responsibility of leadership positions within the troop. Requirements also include attaining a number of merit badges, including ones that are on the list of Eagle required badges. For example, the Star rank requires that the scout obtain six merit badges, four of which are from the Eagle list.
Merit Badges
Boy Scouts of America currently offer merit badges in over 120 areas of interest. Subjects range from sports, outdoor skills, and crafts to vocation such as aviation, business, salesmanship, chemistry, etc. A full listing of merit badges and requirements is published at http://www.usscouts.org/mb/mbindex.asp and on various other scout related websites. For a complete list of merit badge counselors for Troop 103, please contact the Training Coordinator, Steven Warren at sbw54@rcn.com. Unlike early rank advancement, scouts are free to work on badges of their choice instead of on specific requirements. To attain the rank of Eagle a boy must, in part, obtain 21 merit badges of which 12 must be from the list of Eagle required badges. Merit badges can be earned at summer camp, in troop or council organized merit badge classes, or individually. We recommend that Scouts who have not attained the First Class rank should limit their merit badge work to summer camp and troop sponsored merit badge classes as it is more important to attain the First Class rank at his point of their scouting career. To start a merit badge individually, the scout should speak with the Scoutmaster about his interest in a badge, and obtain the name and contact information of a Council registered merit badge counselor for the particular subject. The counselor may be affiliated with Troop 103 or other scout troops. It is the scout’s responsibility to contact the merit badge counselor and to arrange to start working on the badge. The Scoutmaster will provide a signed blue Merit Badge application that must be given to the counselor. The scout must use the buddy system when meeting with the counselor. A buddy must be present at all times and can be another scout, friend, or family member. Scouts may also be required to send a copy of all electronic correspondence to a third party in order to monitor on-line safety procedures.
Boy Scouts of America publishes merit badge booklets for each badge offered. These booklets include not only the requirements that must be completed to attain the badge, but also most of the information needed to fulfill those requirements. It is highly recommended that you purchase the merit badge booklet at the local scout store or on line. Websites such as mertibadge.org are also very helpful. Troop 103 does maintain a library of merit badge pamphlets. Scout wishing to borrow a merit badge booklet should contact the troop Librarian. The Scoutmaster will identify the Librarian’s if you do not know who it is. Donations of used merit badge books to the troop library are greatly appreciated. Please note that Boy Scouts of America routinely amends the requirements for merit badges and publishes updated pamphlets. It is the scout’s responsibility to use the current version of the pamphlet. The Scoutmaster or any adult volunteer will be happy to assist the scout in this area. Finally, unlike the requirements for the first phase ranks, the decision on whether or not a scout has satisfied the requirements of a merit badge rests solely with the council appointed merit badge counselor and not the troop.
Merit Badge and Summer Camp
Summer camp is the place where scouts earn many but not all of their merit badges. Many scouts can come home from summer camp having earned 4 or sometimes 5 merit badges. First year scouts are required to participate in a camp run first year program. This program is intended to help the scout cope with being away form home, to learn how things work at summer camp, and to work on a number of requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. There is also time to work on one merit badge and Troop 103 highly recommends that to be the Swimming badge. The Swimming merit badge, not only helps the scout to be safer when around water, but it also is required before the scout can work on other water based badges such as Canoeing, Rowing, Small Boat Sailing, and Motor boating. As the troop prepares for summer camp, it is important that the scout heed the guidance of the troop leadership when selecting merit badges to be completed at camp. Younger scouts may not necessarily be ready physically or academically for certain badges that may be offered. Leadership is looking for the scout to have a fun time at camp and to be successful in obtaining their chosen badges. We do not want to see the scout become uninterested in the program because of unsuccessfully attempting a badge that was too difficult for his current skill level.
2010 Rank Requirement ChangesThese requirements appear in the official Boy Scout Handbook, 12th Edition, which was issued in 2009, but do not take effect until January 1, 2010. If a Scout has started work toward a rank before that date using requirements that were current before January 1, 2010, he may complete that rank only using the old requirements. Any Progress toward a rank that is begun after January 1, 2010, must use the requirements as they are presented in the Boy Scout Handbook (34622) or in Boy Scout Requirements book (33216). A Scout may also use these requirements, if he wishes, before January 1, 2010. Scout Tenderfoot 2nd Class 1st Class Star Life Eagle
Boy Scout Advancement Requirements Changes When there is a conflict between two published lists of requirements, such as Boy Scout Requirements (BSA Publication No. 33215) and a Merit Badge Pamphlet, the requirements book should be considered to be the controlling document, until a newer edition of Boy Scout Requirements is issued. BSA issued new editions of ALL of the merit badge pamphlets on August 1, 2008. The primary change to most of the pamphlets was the introduction of color photographs and diagrams, and new covers. The actual text and requirements, in most cases did not change from the previous editions. In some cases, however, the new editions do contain new information, and new requirements. If the copyright date in the new pamphlet is not 2008, the text in the pamphlet, including the requirements, did not change, only the cover and illustrations. In addition, two of the old pamphlets, for the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Merit Badges were combined into a single pamphlet, although the Merit Badges remain separate and distinct from each other. Also, one Merit Badge, Auto Mechanics, was renamed to Automotive Maintenance, (and the emblem on the badge was changed). Although a new edition of the Lifesaving merit badge pamphlet was issued, the requirements did not change. However, the footnote relative to alternative requirements for the Second Class and First Class rank swimming requirements was deleted. The Merit Badges listed below had new merit badge pamphlets issued on August 1, 2008, and have totally new or modified requirements listed in the new pamphlets. The requirements below will become official on January 1, 2009, but with their counselor's approval, Scouts may use these new requirements instead of the old ones until that date. Those Scouts working on any badges using the old requirements and who started before the new books were issued may complete the badge using the old requirements. Those starting work on a badge after the new books were issued, may, until December 31, 2008, use either the old or new requirements, at their option. If they use the old requirements, they may still complete the badge using the old requirements, even after January 1, 2009. Please check the link http://www.usscouts.org/advance/changes/advchanges09.asp for changes to the following Merit Badges. Architecture, Auto Mechanics, Automotive Maintenance, Cinematography, Coin Collecting, Collections, Drafting, Emergency Preparedness, Engineering, Farm Mechanics, Indian Lore, Insect Study, Landscape Architecture, Lifesaving, Motorboating, Painting, Pottery, Radio, and Swimming.
The new printing of the Eagle Scout Rank Application, No. 58-728, has a notable change. Now, under Requirement 5, the name of the candidate’s Eagle project is required, as well as the grand total of hours devoted to it (from page 10 of the Eagle Scout Leadership Project Workbook). The new application will be required beginning May 1, 2008. The information about Eagle projects will be entered along with other information from Eagle Scout rank applications, and will be stored in a national database. Councils will be able to run reports at the district or council level. This new database of Eagle projects will also be available at area, region, and national levels. New Eagle Scout Application Also, of interest to perspective Eagle candidates are the Eagle Scout Leadership Project Workbook , the Eagle Trail Guidebook , and the Eagle Scout Board of Review Application for 2008.
List of Badges From BSA National Council (Click the badge to see the requirements) As the Boy Scouts of America celebrates 100 years of Scouting in the United States, today’s youths will have the opportunity to experience a piece of the past. The four vintage merit badges that will count toward rank advancement are being released for the centennial year only, giving Boy Scouts a hands-on opportunity to experience the exciting past of the BSA. Earning these historical merit badges should be more than just earning another merit badge. By reading these merit badge pamphlets and completing the requirements as close to how a Scout of 1910 would have done them will be your true growth experience. 
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Merit Badges Displayed in Blue are Eagle Required Merit badges
Citizenship Merit Badges Session Schedule, Assignments, Links, Movie Guide and Audit Sheet We will be working together for the next few weeks towards completing the requirements for Citizenship in the community Merit Badge. Below is the schedule for our meetings. In addition are some links to various websites that will help you along the road to completing this merit badge. I will be communicating to the Troop via the Troop webs site in the advancement section. If you would like to ask me a question during the week you can email me at SBW54@RCN.com. 9-24 Review requirements and hand out assignments with links mentioned above 10-1 Discuss and turn in requirement # 1,2a & 2b, Discuss Requirement 7and schedule visits for requirement 3 10-8 Discuss and turn in Requirement 4& 6 and discuss requirement 5 & 8 10-15 Discus and turn in Requirement 5 and present requirement 8 10-22 Finish presenting Requirement 8 and clear up any unfinished requirements. Links: Merit badge requirements: http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Citizenship_in_the_Community The Burlington Town Meeting and Events Calendar can be found at http://www.burlington.org/clerk/Calendar/webcal.html or in the Forms section as a PDF file with recommended meetings to attend. Burlington Town Web site: http://www.burlington.org/ Burlington Annual report: http://www.burlington.org/Annual.pdf Burlington Street Map: http://www.burlington.org/engineering/Maps/PRECINCT_MAP%202005.pdf Burlington Civic and volunteer organizations: http://www.burlington.org/clubs.html Troop Web Site: http://troop103burlington.org/Home.aspx Resident's Guide http://www.burlington.org/Residentguide.pdf
Suggested movies for Citizenship in the Community Merit badge
Links to movies for requirement 5 12 Angry Men One man, Henry Fonda, sways a jury and saves an innocent man. NR but would be G today.
Amazing Grace Chronicles the struggle of William Wilberforce to stop the British slave trade in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. PG for disturbing images of slavery.
A Man For All Seasons The story of Sir Thomas More, who challenged King Henry VIII when the King discarded the Roman Catholic Church in order to divorce and remarry. Rated G.
America's Godly Heritage Chronicles the faith of the nation's forefathers. Not rated.
Fly Away Home An adventure to save orphaned geese. PG.
Follow Me Boys The story of how one guy starts a Boy Scout troop to help the town. NR.
Forrest Gump One slow-witted but good-hearted man is at the center of key events of the 20th century. "Stupid is as stupid does." PG-13.
Gettysburg Great historical account. Focuses on Colonel Joshua Chmberlain who held Little Round Top though greatly outnumbered. Out of ammunition, Chamberlain orders a charge instead of retreating. PG.
Gods and Generals Stonewall Jackson and the Battle of Manassas. PG-13 for violence.
The Great Escape WWII POW escape. NR, but some violence.
Guns of Navarone WWII Allied soldiers attempt to destroy the German big guns. NR. Some violence.
High Noon A marshall must face a vengeful man just released from prison where he was put by the marshall. He finds that his own town refuses to help when the odds are high that he will not live. NR. No violence except gunfight at the end.
Hoot Saving a population of endangered owls. PG for mild obscenities.
I, Claudius Historical fiction about the Roman Emperor. NR.
Invincible The true story of Vince Papale, a 30-year-old bartender from South Philadelphia who overcame long odds to play for the Philadelphia Eagles. PG.
It's A Wonderful Life Try to get the colorized version for younger Scouts. The message in this film is one of courage and sacrifice for the greater good as George Bailey, a man with big ideas about seeing the world, continually forsakes his own desires to do what is right for the town. The second message is that each life important. No matter how insignificant we feel we are, we are all inextricably linked to each other and play an important part in the fabric of one another's lives.
Luther All about Luther, the father of the Reformation. Rated PG-13 for violence.
The Man Who Planted Trees A lone shepherd changes the character of an entire valley.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington One of Jimmy Stewart's signature roles as an idealistic senator caught in the corruption of the political machine. NR.
October Sky The true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry. PG.
One Night with the King The story of Esther. Rated PG for mild violence, suggestion of sensuality.
The Prince of Egypt Animated story of Moses. Rated PG for violence.
Remember the Titans The true story of a newly appointed African-American coach and his high school team on their first season as a racially integrated unit. PG.
Rock and a Heart Place Volunteering never sounded so good.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Spartacus The slave, Spartacus, leads a revolt against a corrupt Rome. NR.
The Ten Commandments The story of Moses. NR.
The Three Musketeers Comedic interpretation of the classic novel.
We Are Marshall When a plane crash claims the lives of members of the Marshall University football team and some of its fans, the team's new coach and his few surviving players try to keep the football program alive. PG.
Zulu 1964 epic masterpiece portraying the Battle of Roarke's Drift, 140 British soldiers against 4,000 Zulu. NR, but there is the violence you'd expect in a war movie.
Audit Sheet Scout
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| 2a
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| 3a
| 3b
| 4a
| 4b
| 4c
| 5
| 6
| 7a
| 7b
| 7c
| 8
| Chris O
| X
| | X
| | | | | | | | | | | | Kyle P
| | X
| X
| | | X
| | X
| | X
| | | | | Eric S
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Luke S
| | X
| X
| | | | | | | | | | | | Justin B
| | X
| | | | | | | | | | | | | Sean M
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Amad O
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Nick S
| | X
| X
| | | | | | | X
| | | | | Brian C
| | | X
| | | | | | | | | | | | John D
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | David G
| | X
| | | | | | | | | | | | | Ian F
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Matt A
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Joe P
| | | | | | | | | | X
| | | | | Joe S
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Christian M
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Mike L
| | X
| X
| | | X
| | X
| | X
| | | | | Tyler B
| | X
| X
| | | | | | | | | | | | Allen J
| X
| X
| X
| | | X
| | | | | | | | | Cameron B
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | John S
| X
| X
| X
| | | | | | | | | | | | Tyler B
| | X
| X
| | | | | | | X
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